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View Full Version : Mixing gauges - variation on a theme


l99057j
Feb 27, 2007, 08:50 AM
I've seen similar posts, but not similar enough to make me feel 100% sure so here we go...

Once upon a time there was a hot tub on the back patio of my house. The wire appears to be 4 gauge wire and there is a junction box already installed on the back wall. The tub is gone now, and I'm converting the room on the other side of that wall into a laundry room. It seemed like a natural place to tie into, reducing the breaker to 30 amp and going through the wall.

It looks as though 10-3 is the norm for a clothes dryer so my question is, is it OK to have 4 gauge running into the junction box and 10 gauge running out of the box to the dryer outlet? 4 to 10 is a pretty big jump so I'm just not sure.

Thanks!

nmwirez
Feb 27, 2007, 09:34 AM
I've seen similar posts, but not similar enough to make me feel 100% sure so here we go...

Once upon a time there was a hot tub on the back patio of my house. The wire appears to be 4 gauge wire and there is a junction box already installed on the back wall. The tub is gone now, and I'm converting the room on the other side of that wall into a laundry room. It seemed like a natural place to tie into, reducing the breaker to 30 amp and going through the wall.

It looks as though 10-3 is the norm for a clothes dryer so my question is, is it ok to have 4 gauge running into the junction box and 10 gauge running out of the box to the dryer outlet? 4 to 10 is a pretty big jump so I'm just not sure.

Thanks!
Are there 4 wires going to the subpanel?

l99057j
Feb 27, 2007, 10:17 AM
There are three wires in one bundle, so I guess that is 4-3? Then there is a separate wire on its own. So yes, four wires total.

tkrussell
Feb 27, 2007, 01:00 PM
If there is an individual wire ran with the cable, and it is not included inside the cable, this is not allowed. Sounds like someone added a fourth wire as an equipment ground for the hot tub.

Splicing from #4 to #10 is fine using a proper mechanical connector, of which there are several available, such as split bolts, which need to be taped very well, or there are two port lugs already encapsulated and insulated.